Lauren Silverman's ex discusses 'difficult' divorce

Lauren Silverman's ex-husband has learned about "the importance of family" through her actions.

Andrew Silverman was shocked to find his wife was not only sleeping with Simon Cowell, but pregnant with his baby last year and in his first interview since they divorced, he says it has given him a whole new perspective.

He told the New York Observer newspaper: "It was a very difficult time in my life. I learned a lot, moved forward. My core business has continued to move forward.

"I learned a lot about myself as an individual, the importance of family. My focus has been on my son throughout the whole ordeal."

Lauren and Andrew share custody of their child, Adam, eight, and she gave birth to her baby with Simon, Eric, in February.

While TV mogul Simon, 54, and Lauren have been eager to show Eric off and are a regular fixture in gossip magazines, Andrew, 37, was no fan of the scrutiny which he was placed under by the affair.

He added: "Being in the public spotlight is not something I envy. It's never been my way.

"Privacy has tremendous value. I've tried to be as quiet as possible even though everyone wants to hear about this hoopla.

"I am a regular person, not a tabloid thing. It was a fascinating experience, unexpected and shocking."

The New York based property tycoon is in business with his younger brother, Alex, who thinks Lauren has been portrayed wrongly.

He said: "You can't take someone who has very poor roots and turn them into a golden child, but that's what the media tried to do - to turn his ex-wife into a great person to benefit a celebrity."